Injured Haddin heading home

Australia wicket-keeper Brad Haddin is to return home from the tour of England because of a finger injury, a move that threatens his involvement in next month's Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Haddin fractured the ring finger on his left hand prior to the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston and did not take part in that match, with Graham Manou being brought in for a shock debut after Australia's first-choice gloveman was ruled out after the toss in the warm-up.

However, Haddin recovered to play in the fourth and fifth Tests in a series that England won 2-1, courtesy of a 197-run victory in Sunday's Oval finale, to regain the Ashes.

Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement on Monday: "It has now been decided Brad will return to Australia to allow him further recovery time and consultation with specialists to determine the best possible management of the injury.

"His participation in any of the one-day and Twenty20 components of Australia's VB Tour of England and the ICC Champions Trophy will be decided after consultation with these specialists."

Australia, who already have keeper Tim Paine in their one-day squad, are not yet planning to bring in a replacement player for Haddin.

Australia face Scotland in a one-day international in Edinburgh on Friday before playing two Twenty20s against England in Manchester on August 30 and September 1 ahead of a seven-match one-day series.